I got my first Sega Genesis as a sort of wedding gift...I worked at a retail store at the time (Lechmere,now closed) and played with the store demo every chance that I got...after playing Batman...I was forever hooked.
While being an underpowered system, the Genesis was a big success because of Nintendo's decisions to hold back the SNES in favor of the GameBoy- and also having a gore code in Mortal Kombat (when Nintendo vehemetly refused to allow one in their version) did not hurt either.
There were some very cool games released for the Genesis in its day( NHL '94 anyone?`), and I think that it could have lasted longer if Sega didn't drop the ball with the 32X, Sega CD, and the Saturn...
Just the same though, I still play with it every once in a while (as I do with all my systems).
Here is my list of Sega Genesis/32X things...

Sega Hardware

I own the Genesis Models 1 and 2 (although my kids use the Model 1). Both still have boxes and all accessories. Also own a Nomad ( which had been a lifesaver for my job as a long haul driver...)

As for controllers, I have along with what came with the systems one Sega 6-Button pad, 2 xtra regular pads and a Quick Touch pad...(my personal favorite- too bad they never released a 6-button vrs.) I also picked up cheap a Tyco Power Plug accessory.

I own 2 32X systems-( 1 has never been used-I got it as a backup) and I also have a Model 2 Sega CD system (with a LOT of games check below for my Sega CD link for more info).